Bedroom organizing: Clothing and accessories

Organizing Ideas

Bedroom organizing: Clothing and accessories

Say goodbye to piles of clothes and tangled jewelry. There are lots of
storage ideas for the bedroom that create order out of chaos. Give everything its rightful place – either hidden or displayed. You’re more likely to keep mess to a minimum this way. And feel more relaxed in your personal space.

No matter what your
decorating style – there’s a piece of furniture or a clever container to suit your needs. Not only will you be organized, but there will be far less dusting to do! Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Modern Weave storage basketsMix baskets of varying sizes and shapes to keep things orderly, yet interesting. From magazines to knitting to dirty laundry – even jewelry – there’s a basket out there that’s perfect for your needs.
West Elm, $14.86-$94.49 each.Cynthia wardrobeWardrobes are a great
solution for mixed storage. From hanging rails to shelving to drawers, they’re roomy enough for to fit a medley of things. Stow clothes, accessories, shoes or towels behind closed doors for an effortlessly tidy look.
Pottery Barn, $1283.42.Java ledge nightstandNightstands are an essential when it comes to
bedroom furniture, but not all are created equal. This particular model allows you to keep the top
clutter-free thanks to the little nook for your reading material just above the drawers.
Crate and Barrel, $264.37.Narrow-leg vanity tableEvery woman needs one of these!
Storing cosmetics and jewelry in one place with a mirror makes getting ready easy and fun. Keep things tucked away or draped around on display. Either way, it’s a modern piece with old-fashioned charm.
West Elm, $370.55-$423.63.Storage benchBenches are particularly useful in the
bedroom. They’re great for storing blankets, shoes or books and offer a little added seating if needed.
Etsy, $414.Jewelry treeDisplay your
favourite accessories on a jewelry tree like this one. On its own, it’s a beautiful metal sculpture. But drape a few choice pieces on it and it becomes a dazzling piece of
decor.
Pottery Barn, $127.19.Moran shoe racksKeep shoes
organized and accessible with a two-tier shoe rack. It’s handy when you’re picking an ensemble in the morning. And it helps keep things tidy when you kick them off at night!
Pottery Barn, $217.12.Malla decorative boxesHave an unsightly mess of odds and ends that need a home? Tuck them away in
decorative boxes and no one but you need ever know! They’re perfect for cosmetics, photos or those extra loose buttons from your latest purchases. For added charm, group several together on a shelf.
IKEA, $19.99.

Tips & Tricks

8 Scandi-chic decor ideas worth stealing this holiday season

Come winter, the coziness and understated beauty that define Scandinavian design are all the more welcome – and this Toronto abode lets it be known. Read on for eight Swedish decor ideas worth stealing this season.

1 Get adventive: Forgo the chocolate Advent calendar this year in favour of a fabulous DIY creation. Count down the days until Christmas with 24 mini paper gift bags. Embellish each with natural finds like twigs and sprigs of greenery before securing them onto a fabric-covered corkboard.

2 Embrace nature: Bring the serenity of Scandi style into your home by drawing inspiration from the wintry outdoors. Here, a fresh evergreen wreath and garland, bird ornaments and a stack of logs subtly spruce up the fireplace wall.

3 Style strategically: Nordic design is all about capturing the magic of minimalism – even at Christmas. Scope out simple yet striking seasonal adornments like the ornate paper snowflakes festooning this banister, which nod to the holidays but are still in keeping with the entryway’s calming neutral palette.

4 Pare back parcels: Let’s face it: Wrapping holiday presents in layers of red and green is a tad overdone. Go against the grain this year and opt for soft-hued paper, such as this white ribbed style. Then adorn your gifts with burlap ribbon and sleek DIY gift tags.

5 Add whimsy: While there’s nothing wrong with decking out your home in an array of colourful baubles, the Swedes favour subtler star-shaped decorations. Think of the bunting seen here as an alternative to string lights that’s quieter but still offers the same dreamy quality.

6 Create seasonal swag: Make your living space sparkle and shine by fashioning your own festive garland. Cut holiday shapes out of shimmery paper or wallpaper swatches and stitch them together delicately with white thread.

7 Welcome neutrals: How do you take a muted space from sterile to sophisticated? Home in on the details. Elements like mismatched chairs and a non-operational fireplace filled with logs lend enough interest to this bright dining room so that, come December, a few festive accents feel like plenty.

8 Layer textures: When temperatures dip into the negative double-digits, we crave all types of comfort. Emulate the Swedish way of combatting the cold with heaps of texture, whether through small details (stylish place settings and votive candle holders wrapped in yarn) or larger additions (a faux sheepskin throw).

Organizing Ideas

10 things to do in May

Organizing Ideas

10 things to do in May

Nothing rejuvenates the spirit like the arrival of spring. As colour and warmth start to seep back into your life, here are a few things to do (both inside and outside your home) to celebrate spring and usher in the summer months.

1 Get your grill onThe central cooking source of your summer entertaining, make sure your grill is in good working order. Scrub down internal racks and change lava rocks that may be lingering from last season. Treat yourself to some new tools of the trade -- a basting mop, grilling basket, non-stick skewers and scissor tongs. • See our wine list to complement a summer grill menu.

2 Fresh flower arrangingWhether you take a course for fun or gather ideas from magazines, now is the perfect time to brush up on the art of flower arranging. Think of creative containers, mix unexpected elements and play with texture and colour to give your centerpieces unconventional flair.

3 Set out your outdoor furnitureArrange your outdoor furniture as you would your indoor furniture -- essentially turning your porch or deck into a second living room. Establish a space for eating, group conversation and a more intimate nook for enjoying an after dinner drink or an afternoon read.

4 Repaint trim and doorsHigh-traffic use of doors and abuse of baseboards can leave a space looking worn and dingy. A quick coat or two of paint on trims and interior doors can instantly refresh your home. Choose a shade darker or lighter than what you currently have to introduce a new contrast with an existing wall colour.

5 Service your air conditionerCentral air conditioners consume a lot of electricity and without regular service, your air conditioner's efficiency can fall by as much as half. Call for servicing now before the temperature spikes, demand for service increases and the cost of a house call goes up.

6 Update your outdoor hardwareWith an increased focus on the outside of your home during the spring and summer months, take a look at the state of your outdoor hardware. Door handles, knockers, house numbers and even the mailbox take a beating from the elements and, if they've been present for a decade or more are probably in need of an update.

7 Create a fireplace vignetteWith the cold weather months behind us the inside of your fireplace doesn't need to stand empty. Arrange white pillar candles of varying sizes or an assortment of low-light plants in attractive pots to fill this otherwise unused space.

8 Add a splash of colour to your deckWood-stains aren't just for preservation purposes. Available colours now go beyond shades of brown and can be used to extend the indoor colour palette of your home. Whether you choose classic blues or greens or bolder colours, proper application is key. Be sure to follow manufacturer's directions to produce a long lasting stain.

9 Plant window boxes Whether you live in a house or apartment, window boxes make maximum impact of annual flowers. Most plants grow happily in well draining containers -- try petunias, nasturtiums, zinnias, phlox and verbena. Space plants to give them sufficient room to grow, but also ensure that your container will look full and lush.

10 Try wallpaper in a small spaceLooking for a big change in a small space? Wallpaper can personalize a small space --out such as a powder room, study or nursery -- in a big way. Wallpaper with a vertical pattern adds the illusion of greater ceiling height while small and open patterns, in lighter shades, can help stretch the perceived size of the space.

Gift Guides

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

Gift Guides

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

Satisfy even the most discerning epicureans on your list with one of these fashionable foodie-approved finds.

We all have that person in our life who can prepare an intricate meal without so much as glancing at a recipe. That person who dabbles in all things culinary related on a daily basis and has a kitchen pantry that rivals that of celebrity chef Mark McEwan (or it at least comes close). Not sure what to treat them to this holiday season? Browse through our list of food-related gift ideas for inspiration.

Photo Gallery

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

1 Juiced Up

A heart-smart treat for the health food aficionado in your life, this carefully curated six-pack of cold-pressed juices contains almost two pounds of fruit and veg in every bottle! Cold-pressed Juices, Dose Juice, $42 per 6-piece pack.

By: Style at Home
Source: Dose Juice

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

2 Cheese, Please

Nothing says holiday time quite like a good cheese board. The lace-motif detailing on this one will certainly make any selection of cheeses and chutneys shine. Ceramic Lacework Cheeseboard, Anthropologie, $38 US.

By: Style at Home
Source: Anthropologie

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

3 Copper Feel

This elegant Art Deco-style coffee dripper is for your friend who has one foot planted firmly at home and the other off in some distant Parisian patisserie. Hario stainless copper Coffee Dripper, Indigo, $100.

By: Style at Home
Source: Indigo

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

4 Caffeine Fix

If the Bat Cave had a coffee maker, this would be it. Nespresso’s latest boasts a matte black finish befitting anyone in need of a caffeine jolt before saving Gotham City. VertuoLine Coffee Machine in Matte Black, Nespresso, $249.

By: Style at Home
Source: Nespresso

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

5 Colonel Mustard

This high-ranking mustard deserves your salute. Flavoured with decadent wine and truffles – and only available for a limited time – it’s a covetable condiment fit for any top official. Black Truffle and Chablis Mustard, Maille, $43 US.

By: Style at Home
Source: Maille

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

6 Into The Wild

These striking mugs echo exotic corners of the earth that yield top-notch coffee, from Sumatra to Costa Rica. Pair a mug with beans from the same region for a gift guaranteed to please any java junkie. Stamp Art Mugs, Starbucks, $19 each.

By: Style at Home
Source: Starbucks

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

7 Chic Sips

These pretty, precious and feminine flasks are almost too stylish to sully with alcohol – but everyone has a friend who would! Stainless steel Odeme Flasks, 90 ml,West Elm, $29 US each.

By: Style at Home
Source: West Elm

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

8 Style Strain

This vintage-look colander is a timeless classic that takes an everyday kitchen tool from dull to display-worthy. Copper-plated steel Colander in Gold, Anthropologie, $34 US.

By: Style at Home
Source: Anthropologie

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

9 French Kiss

This Scandi-chic French press in pale pink (with a pretty copper detail) is not only a beautiful vessel for your morning brew, but also an ideal addition to any open shelf. Ceramic French Press in Sand, Yield Design Co., $120 US.

By: Style at Home
Source: Yield Design Co.

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

10 Grill on the Go

No one should ever find themselves camping or picnicking without freshly grilled meat close at hand. And thanks to this portable grill, your loved ones will never have to. Wild & Wolf Portable Barbecue, Shop AGO, $94.

By: Style at Home
Source: Shop AGO

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

11 Get Jelly With It

Treat fans of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation to “the gift that keeps on giving.” Translation: their very own Jelly of the Month Club gift set! (Reference lost on you? See here.) Griswold Jelly of the Month Club Gift Set, Retro Festive, $40.

By: Style at Home
Source: Retro Festive

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

12 Cured Chocolate

It may resemble salami, but this treat is made entirely out of chocolate. Containing hazelnuts, almonds, cherries and even rum, the confection is a certified crowd-pleaser – especially when presented on a cutting board. Chocolate salami, SOMA Chocolatemaker, $23.

By: Style at Home
Source: SOMA Chocolatemaker

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

13 Main Squeeze

Count on Alessi to make a conventional utensil undeniably sleek. Crafted from stainless steel and boasting a unique shape, the modern citrus squeezer also doubles as a pestle. Valerio Citrus Squeezer, Alessi, $71.

By: Style at Home
Source: Alessi

14 appetizing gift ideas for serious foodies

14 Spread the Love

Building a beautiful cheese platter is something of an art form, but it helps to have stylish spreaders to complement the nibbles. This gorgeous set with rose quartz handles will make any table sparkle. Rose Quartz Spreaders, HomeSense, $15 4-piece set.

Design Lesson

Dos and don'ts of picking tile for the kitchen and bathroom

Don't stress out picking your next tiling project. We've compiled a list of important dos and don'ts when you decide to shop tile.

Picking out tile for the kitchen and bathroom is often the most daunting of renovating tasks that face DIY decorators. There is such a permanence to tile, and it must meet the dual jobs of being beautiful but highly practical. After all, not too much thought goes into the aesthetics of, for instance, the insulation of a stripped-to-the-studs room. And we don’t fret too much over light fixtures that can be relatively swiftly swapped out if they don’t meet our needs, much as we loved them in the showroom. So we turned to the expertise of Toronto and Nova Scotia interior designer Carol Reed for some dos and don’ts to help you ensure you make the right choice. Here are her tile selection guidelines.

DO go classic, neutral and natural
Just say no to of-the-moment tile trends in the bathroom and kitchen. “I can't stress this enough, avoid trendy shapes and colours and getting overly ‘decorative’ with tile applications,” Carol says. She advises that you resist the temptation to do decorative borders, inlays or accent tiles, particularly in multiple colours. “Tile is not something that is simple or inexpensive to change so stick with neutral, natural colours and keep the pattern classic.”

DO ask questions and get help
An interior designer is trained to pick the right tile for the right place, be it your bathroom or kitchen, and will consider traffic, durability, safety and aesthetics, as well. If you decide to pick out your own tile, be sure to spend the time doing your due diligence in researching these considerations. And don’t forget you need to pick a grout colour and grout width as well, which contribute to the finished look and maintenance, too. “I think my clients past experience with tile mistakes, or tile mistakes they've inherited, are definitely one of the main reasons they decide to hire a designer,” Carol says.

DON’T get too decorative or complicated
“In most situations your tiled surface isn't (or doesn't need to be) the feature statement of the room, usually the tile just needs to play a supporting role,” says Carol. “Unless you're splurging on a luxe stone tile as a key design element, your tile will not be and doesn't have to be the main feature,” she says. Your tile needs to be extremely hardworking but has another purpose: it serves to make the other elements in the space look their best.

DO think about the dimensions of the tiled area and pick suitable tile
Make everyone’s life easier and select a tile size and tile layout pattern that suits the dimensions of the area you are tiling, Carol says. The goal is to avoid having a lot of cut tiles or slivers of tile around the edges or in corners, she adds.

DO select tile before construction begins
“Ultimately, if you can select your tile before construction begins, the contractor can base the finished wall dimensions precisely on the nominal size of the tiles and pattern being used,” she says.

DON’T use various tiles to create a design
If your tile will be a feature design or architectural element in the space, then go for a natural stone or artisanal tile in a simple layout so the character of the tile is the star. “Instead of trying to use various tiles to create a design, opt for a single tile used in different sizes and sheens. You can create some incredibly interesting patterns and effects this way. “ A bonus is that the classic materials and standard sizes are also the most budget friendly.

DON’T be snobby about tile provenance
“Don't rule out the big-box building centres for a good selection of stylish tiles. Many of the tiles you'll see there are the same ones you'll see in higher end boutique tile showrooms,” says Carol.

DON’T overlook natural stone tile
“There are two types of tile I love no matter what the style of home or type of space. I love a large size natural stone in a basic shape or in a classic mosaic pattern applied wall-to-wall, particularly a white-and-grey marble like Carrera because it’s widely available and therefore reasonably priced and pairs well with everything,” she says. Plus, it’s just so easy. When using a natural stone, the beauty of the stone is the feature element and no complicated tile detailing is necessary, she says.

DO consider subway tile
Subway tile is a classic that many interior designers swear by, especially in white. Aside from a white marble, there's nothing Carol (and a sizeable cohort of interior designers) loves more than a white rectangular ceramic tile, commonly referred to as subway tile. “I think they are the white oxford shirt of interiors: tailored but informal, [they] never look out of style, chic but never trendy and you can pair them with anything, dress it up or dress it down,” she says.

DON’T assume all subway tile is the same
You’re not necessarily stuck with a glazed white small rectangle when it comes to subway tile, and depending on the size and installation pattern you chose you can create a modern or traditional look with these tiles, she says. “I use larger matte versions in a stacked pattern for a modern space, or a two-by-nine in a brick pattern for a vintage look, or a bevelled tile in a traditional space,” she says. You can find subway tiles in polished or matte, with plain edges or bevelled, machine-made or hand-formed and in every colour, she adds. “Installed in a brick pattern, stacked or herringbone: The possibilities are endless and timeless all in one. I disagree with anyone who says they're boring, I think they're only as boring as what you put with it,” she says.

DON’T rule out “wood” or “concrete”
Surprise! You can have wood and concrete in the kitchen and bath. It’s called porcelain tile, and it’s super-realistic. “I've been so impressed with the advancement in porcelain tile. The lookalike marble, concrete and wood tiles available are so authentic looking they will fool you even to the touch,” Carol says. “I'm really excited about these options and how they open up entirely new aesthetic possibilities in rooms that otherwise weren't practical for marble or wood,” she says. Aside from these new manufacturing capabilities, Carol eschews tile trends. “I think trendy tile applications date a space more quickly than any other material.”